Berlin, June 5 (Reuters): One of Germany’s most controversial politicians, former deputy chancellor Juergen Moellemann who enraged German Jews by criticising Israel, fell to his death today in a parachute jump.

Police said they were investigating whether Moellemann, an experienced skydiver who had served as a paratrooper in the German armed forces, committed suicide or died in an accident.

Moellemann’s stunts — he often parachuted into campaign events — had helped propel him to the top of the liberal Free Democrat Party, but he quit in March in disgrace over charges of anti-Semitism and irregular party funding.

His death coincided with a search of his home in Muenster, western Germany, by prosecutors probing allegations he violated party funding rules.